The ODI World Cup 2023 opener between England and New Zealand entered record books. There were no major milestones achieved by a specific batter but all 11 English batters combined to achieve what hasn’t been achieved in the history of ODI cricket. This is the first time all 11 batters in an ODI innings contributed with double-digit scores.
The previous record was held by five teams. West Indies, Pakistan, Zimbabwe, India, and Australia have had 10 batters crossing double-digits in a single ODI innings. The first time it happened was in 1991 when 10 Caribbean batters scored in double-digits against Australia. The most recent example was 10 Australia with double-digit scores against India earlier this year.
Earlier, stand-in captain Tom Latham won the toss and opted to field first at Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium, Ahmedabad. Dawid Malan struggled to score quickly and was dismissed by Matt Henry. Jonny Bairstow pounced on opportunities to score as he contributed with a 35-ball 33 before getting dismissed by Mitchell Santner. Harry Brook played a 16-ball 25 cameo. He became Rachin Ravindra's maiden World Cup wicket. Part-time spinner Glenn Phillips got the better of Moeen Ali who scored 11 runs from 17 balls.
Joe Root and skipper Jos Buttler stitched a crucial partnership for the fifth wicket. Buttler missed his half-century as Henry came back into the attack and got his wicket. Liam Livingstone hit a few boundaries but Trent Boult got rid of him in the 39th over. Livingstone scored 20 runs from 22 balls including three fours.
Root became Phillips' second victim as he went for the reverse sweep but ended up getting bowled. Sam Curran and Chris Woakes got out after scoring 14 and 11 respectively. England lost nine wickets in the 46th over. Tailenders Adil Rashid and Mark Wood helped the defending champions post 282/9 with scores of 15 and 13.
Earlier in the innings, Bairstow became the first English batter to hit a six in the first over of an innings in a World Cup game since 1999. Also Root got the better of Boult with his first six in ODIs against the left-arm pacer.
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